Spring 2009 Shoes and Accessories: 12 Hot Trends

The dazzling clothing trends of Spring 2009 bring along the abundance of dashing accessories and hot shoe trends that make you want to shop for more. Celebrities are quick to adopt these trends, but if you are sassy you don't need to follow - adopt the style and then take it further. Here's all you need to know about the top trends in shoes and accessories for Spring 2009.

Heels and Straps

A good size heel can always add some oomph to any outfit and a good 3 inches is the least you will need this spring. Seen on slingbacks, wedges, strappy shoes, the heel stands high this season. And this could the influence of the dance craze that is sweeping the nation, but the popular ballroom shoe - multistrap with a high heel - elevating and supportive - is the queen of Spring 2009. The beauty of a multi-strap heel is that it can transform any heel to feel more feminine, and it goes well with a variety of outfits - from a hot mini, to cropped pants, to a silky jumpsuit. One heel that stands highest is a platform and that is a stand-out for this Spring.

Sweet spring colors

No neutrals here. This season is about the juiciest sweetest vibrant colors. Bright green, orange, yellow, turquioise blue all fit the spring 2009 palette. Do not be afraid to mix the brights when you add a different tone shoe to the outfit - matching colors just right is never the rule. A bright grapefruit necklace, or a juicy green scarf, or a citrus sandal can brighten anyone's day.

the Wedge

A great alternative to the plain old pump, wedge is hot as ever. This spring, find it with numerous straps and a sexy peep toe. The wedge of 2009 is not the reincarnation from the 70s, it's a look with a lot of detailing - t-straps, metallic accents, florals. Wood and fringe add a hippy vibe to the shoe. Bottega Veneta has a beautiful weave wedge seen in many magazines.

Gladiator sandal

Yes, this is a well worn-out trend but it's still here. Adding beading jazzes up most new gladiators, and a ballet flat is more common this spring than a high heel for this style. This shoe goes beautifully from day to night, as long as the outfit lets it upstage the shoe. Most commonly seen in leather, with earthy or metallic detailing, gladiators are minimally beautiful this spring.

Global outlook

This could be an ode to the global trend of Spring 2009 fashion, but we are seeing a few styles that reflect a world of cultures. Take huaraches, a Mexican shoe, taken to a new level with a high heel or platform. Or, a large hoop with wooden or glass beads or pearls. This is not necessarily a reflection of where the product is made but rather the look it creates.

Statement Necklace

You can transform an outfit with a simple bold necklace. Choose large beads, gems, rocks and outlandish shapes. Or go for soft tones and cascading design. Blue and purple clusters are especially popular, looking best on painted glass or stone. Vera Wangs' Spring collection featured models wearing oversized necklaces, helping transform the whole silhouette.

Thin headbands

A simple and preppy look, seen on models from Michael Kors Spring 2009 collection, thin headbands with sleek ponytails and straight long hair are a happening trend. Rebecca Taylor, on the other hand, goes for a bohemian look with suede and beaded pieces placed around models' foreheads. Easy to love and versatile, they make a splash in a multitude of colors and work both on the beach and at the office.

Snake skin

You will see this both in bags and shoes this season, as well as in the occasional belt. While this is the most common faux skin theme for shoes and accessories this season, you will see a few other animal prints as you do in apparel.

Hobo bag

This practical bag is hot in spring colors or in a bold graphic print. Round shapes are really predominant and multiple pockets add function to style. Accents, such as florals, zippers, fringe, transform the daily hobo to a style find, such as the Nicole Lee Floral Zipper Hobo.

Bangles

Whether you like to pile on a collection of thin bangles or prefer the chunky kind, this trend stays strong through Spring 2009. Block prints and wooden bangles are most popular but thin golden bangles rock spring as well. Marc Jacobs models were seen wearing layered bangles this Spring, adding some spice to the sleek outfits.

Florals and Feathers

From hairpins to jacket pins, headbands to statement rings, flowers are sprinkled everywhere. Perhaps starting in many designer collections (rosettes on suits), flowers spread around. Feminine yet loud, feathers are a great way to say va-va-voom. Appearing on headbands, clips and belts, these peacocks, and others are generating quite a buzz.

Bejeweled Barettes

You can go from edgy to super sweet by switching from a studded claw or barette to one covered with multi-colored gems. It's not only an attitude change, it's a whole new style. Balmain models were seen this Spring with studded barettes, going well with black eyeliner and ripped pants. Lanvin created a luxe look with sweet dresses and bejeweled crystal barettes.

Written by Stacy Bell.

Mommy Mail

Traveling with kids can be an adventure but it seems easier when you find the right hotel. What are some of the best hotels catering to families with kids?
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Thanks for your story on Valentine's Day crafting. We had a lot of fun with these. I wasn't comfortable letting my son use the scissors yet. At what age is it safe for them to use the scissors?
Mona, NY

Answer:

Safety scissors (scissors with blunt edges) are safe to use starting at the age of 2.5-3 once your kids demonstrate good control of the handle. However, stick with all-plastic safety scissors for a while vs. plastic covered metal scissors which are more likely to cause an accident. Supervise any crafting activity or do a project together and show your child how to hold and use the scissors correctly. Try "Open them, Shut them" song for a quick scissors lesson and practice, practice, practice. Once your kids are in school, they can transition to regular scissors.

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Shopping Corner

Dkny Cotton Nylon Front Button Trench Coat

Usually Ships in 24-48 Hours Details Classic, but this trench coat from DKNY has been updated with moisture resistant fabric and a collar you can pull up around your ears. Perfect for all the ever-changing days of autumn. Medium weight black stretch nylon and cotton blend trench coat from DKNY Measures 42 from back of neck to hem Long sleeves measure 25 Pointed collar Four-button center front closure Front and back vertical seams Epaulettes at shoulders with button closures Extended panel over left breast with single-button closure Two lower front patch pockets with flaps and single-button closures Belted waist with adjustable buckle Back yoke 5.75' banded hem Extended tabs at cuffs with adjustable metal buckles Shell 59% nylon, 38% cotton, 3% spandex Lining 65% polyester, 35% cotton Care instructions Machine wash cold separately, gentle cycle, use mild detergent, use only non-chlorine bleach when necessary, tumble dry low, cool iron if necessary, can be dry cleaned Imported.